Finger Lime: A Guide to Buying, Cooking With, and Storing

Welcome to the world of Finger Lime, the unique and exotic Australian citrus fruit also known as Citrus australasica or Native Australian fruit. With its finger-shaped fruit and burst of tangy flavors, Finger Lime is a favorite among food enthusiasts and chefs alike. In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through everything you need to know about buying, storing, cooking with, and enjoying Finger Lime.

Key Takeaways:

• Finger Lime is a small, finger-shaped Australian citrus fruit with a burst of tangy flavors.
• When buying Finger Limes, look for fruits with a vibrant color, firm texture, and smooth skin.
• To store Finger Limes, keep them in the refrigerator in a container or plastic bag to prevent moisture loss.
• Finger Lime is a versatile ingredient that can enhance the flavor of many dishes.
• Finger Lime is packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, making it a healthy addition to your diet.

What is Finger Lime?

If you’re looking for a unique and visually appealing addition to your dishes, look no further than Finger Lime, also known as Caviar lime. This small citrus fruit native to Australia is renowned for its elongated shape and vibrant colors, making it a showstopper on any plate.

The fruit itself contains tiny caviar-like pearls that burst with tangy and citrusy flavors when squeezed. With its exotic appearance and distinctive taste, Finger Lime is a must-try for any food enthusiast.

What Makes Finger Lime Different?

Compared to other small citrus fruits, Finger Lime’s unique characteristic is its caviar-like pearls. These tiny globules are filled with juice that pops in your mouth when eaten, offering a unique textural experience. The pearls can range in color from light green to pink, adding a visual feast to your dishes as well.

While Finger Lime’s appearance is distinct, don’t let its size fool you. Its flavor packs a punch and can add a tangy twist to any dish.

“Finger Lime is like nature’s version of popping candy, except it tastes like citrus and not sugar!”

Choosing and Buying Finger Lime

When you’re ready to buy Finger Limes, keep your eyes peeled for bright, vibrant colors. Look for fruits that are firm to the touch, with a smooth skin that is free from blemishes. Australian finger limes have an exceptional taste, so consider buying them from local markets or specialty stores to ensure the freshest produce and support Australian growers.

Table: Comparing Australian Finger Limes to Other Citrus Varieties

	Finger Lime	Lemon	Lime
Taste	Bursting with tangy, citrusy flavors in tiny caviar pearls	Sour and acidic	Tart and acidic
Origin	Australia	Asia	Mexico
Color	Green, yellow, pink, red, and black	Yellow	Green

Once you’ve brought your Finger Limes home, store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for up to two weeks. To prevent moisture loss, place them in a container or plastic bag. However, it’s best to use them as soon as possible to enjoy their optimal flavor and texture.

Storing Finger Lime

Proper storage can keep your Australian citrus fruit fresh for longer, ensuring optimal flavor and texture. Here are some tips for storing Finger Lime:

1. Keep Finger Limes in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage. The ideal temperature range is between 4°C and 8°C.

2. Place the Finger Limes in a container or plastic bag to prevent moisture loss. This will help them last longer and maintain their texture.

3. Don’t wash or cut the Finger Limes until you are ready to use them. Any exposure to air or moisture will accelerate spoilage.

4. Finger Limes can typically be stored for up to two weeks. However, it’s best to use them as soon as possible to enjoy their optimal freshness and flavor.

By following these simple steps, you can extend the shelf life of your Finger Limes and store them properly until you’re ready to use them in your favorite recipes.

Did you know? The caviar-like pearls of Finger Lime are often used as a substitute for traditional citrus juice in cocktails!

These exotic citrus fruits have a tangy flavor profile that can add a unique twist to any dish. They pair well with seafood, poultry, and desserts, making them a versatile ingredient in your kitchen.

Cooking with Finger Lime

When it comes to cooking with Finger Lime, the possibilities are endless. This versatile Australian citrus fruit can add a tangy twist to a variety of dishes, from savory to sweet. Below are some tips and ideas for incorporating Finger Lime into your cooking:

Marinades and Dressings

The tangy and zesty flavor of Finger Lime makes it an excellent addition to marinades and dressings. Mix the Finger Lime pearls with olive oil, vinegar, and your favorite herbs and spices to create a delicious and flavorful dressing for salads, vegetables, or meat.

Sauces and Spreads

Experiment with adding Finger Lime to your sauces and spreads. Whether it’s a tangy barbecue sauce or a zesty aioli, Finger Lime’s bright flavor can take your dish to the next level.

Baked Goods

Add a surprising twist to your baked goods by incorporating Finger Lime into your recipes. The pearls can be mixed into cake batters, muffins, or scones for a unique and tangy flavor.

Seafood

Finger Lime’s natural affinity with seafood makes it a perfect addition to any seafood dish. Use the pearls as a garnish or sprinkle them on top of your favorite seafood for a burst of flavor.

Overall, Finger Lime is an exotic and flavorful ingredient that can enhance your cooking game. Experiment with it in your favorite recipes, and you may be surprised by how versatile it can be!

Finger Lime Recipes

Ready to explore the versatility of this unique citrus variety? Here are some Finger Lime recipes that will take your taste buds on a delicious journey.

Finger Lime Margarita

What’s better than a refreshing cocktail on a hot summer day? This Finger Lime Margarita is a unique twist on a classic favorite. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 oz tequila
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 oz Finger Lime juice
• 1 oz orange liqueur
• Ice cubes

Mix the tequila, lime juice, Finger Lime juice, and orange liqueur in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice. Garnish with a slice of lime and a few Finger Lime pearls.

Finger Lime Cheesecake

Indulge your sweet tooth with this creamy and tangy Finger Lime Cheesecake. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 and 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 24 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1/4 cup Finger Lime juice
• Finger Lime pearls for garnish

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Mix the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture into a 9-inch springform pan and bake for 10 minutes. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the Finger Lime juice and pour the mixture over the crust. Bake for 50 minutes or until set. Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours before serving. Garnish with Finger Lime pearls.

Finger Lime-Infused Salad Dressing

Take your salads to the next level with this tangy and zesty Finger Lime-infused dressing. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp Finger Lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Mix the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and Finger Lime juice in a bowl until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle the dressing over your favorite salad and toss to coat. Enjoy the burst of flavors!

Nutrient	Amount per 100g	% Daily Value
Calories	43	2%
Fiber	9.9g	34%
Vitamin C	44.5mg	49%
Folate	24μg	6%
Potassium	43mg	1%

Finger Lime is also a rich source of antioxidants, which can help protect your body from harmful free radicals. These antioxidants can benefit your skin, heart, and immune system. Additionally, the high fiber content in Finger Lime can aid in digestion and help regulate blood sugar levels.

Overall, incorporating Finger Lime into your diet can be a delicious and nutritious way to support your health.

Conclusion

Congratulations on discovering the world of Finger Lime, the unique and exotic Australian citrus fruit. You now know how to buy, store, prepare, and cook with Finger Limes, as well as their nutritional benefits.

Remember to choose Australian finger limes for superior quality and taste, and store them properly in the fridge to enjoy their optimal flavor and texture.

Experiment with adding Finger Lime to your favorite recipes and be amazed at how they can enhance the flavor of any dish. Try out our Finger Lime recipes such as the Finger Lime Margarita, Finger Lime Cheesecake or Finger Lime-infused salad dressing for a gourmet experience.

With its high vitamin C and antioxidant content, Finger Lime not only adds flavor but also boosts your health. Make Finger Limes a regular part of your diet and enjoy the zesty delights they offer.